Media Studies (A Level)

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Head of Department: Mrs L Gerrard

We live in a media saturated society, our lives influenced by television, film, radio, advertising, newspapers and magazines and more recently e-media. Media Studies teaches you how to question the power of the media, how institutions
construct products to influence, and how you, the audience, are targeted and are now beginning to exercise power. The practical aspect of the course provides a basis for those interested in a more technical and ICT driven future.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION (MEDIA STUDIES)

Entry Criteria for A Level Study:
You should have at least a grade 5 or above in GCSE English language or GCSE English literature.
A Level Specification: Eduqas
Curriculum Map for Media Studies A Level
Candidates should have a level of IT literacy

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?

In the A Level course, you will learn about the ways in which the media is constructed and the relationship between genre, media institutions and audience. In addition to this you will learn media key concepts, study media issues and debates and analyse and deconstruct texts. Media texts will be examined across three media platforms. The practical module of the course allows you to illustrate your knowledge of the codes and conventions of media products by creating your own texts. This will involve using research skills, analysis of professional texts, learning editing techniques, working to deadlines and incorporating creative ideas.

What will I learn?

Course Description
In Year 12 you will begin with Component 1. You will learn the new media terminology necessary for evaluating texts and concentrate on the key concepts of media language, industries, representation and audience studying a range of case studies across the media platforms.

Towards the end of the year you will begin to plan and produce media products for a predetermined audience across two media platforms. This is Component 3. In Year 13 the focus is on Component 3: Media Forms and Products in Depth. You will study music videos, films, television, radio, newspapers and video games.

How will I be taught?

Lessons will be a combination of teacher-directed sessions and group activities requiring directed and independent study. Classes are mixed ability. Individual tutorials are provided on a regular basis. You are also expected to complete five hours of private study per week. This is a combination of homework, and independent work or research.

You’ll enjoy this course if…

You are a student that has a keen interest in the media, an independent and enquiring mind, are self-disciplined, can work independently, are creative and have things you want to explore and say about the world.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment
Component 1: Media Products, Industries and Audiences
External written examination (2 hrs 15 minutes)

Component 2: Media Forms and products in depth
External written examination (2 hrs 30 minutes)

Component 3: Practical unit
Internally assessed and externally moderated

Hear from the students

Careers and Labour Market Information

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